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Platform Layer Hierarchy

Layers is built on a hierarchical architecture where each layer builds upon the previous ones, creating a powerful and flexible e-commerce search and merchandising platform. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for effectively configuring and optimizing your store’s search experience.

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Layer Details

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1. Foundation Layer: Attributes

Product attributes form the base of the entire system. These include properties that determine how products can be manipulated in higher layers:
  • is_filterable: Enables faceted search and filtering
  • is_sortable: Allows use in sort orders and ranking
  • is_searchable: Makes attributes queryable in search

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2. Sorting Layer: Sort Orders & Sequences

Built on top of attributes, this layer handles product ordering:
  • Global Sequences: Product groupings that apply across all collections
  • Collection-Specific Sequences: Targeted groupings for specific collections
  • Sort Orders: Configurable ranking using conditions, attributes, and weighted groups

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3. Collection Layer: Product Groupings

Collections organize products into logical groups:
  • Shopify Collections: Native collection support
  • Structured Navigation: Hierarchical product organization
  • Sequence Integration: Works with the sequence system for consistent ordering

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4. Merchandising Layer: Rules & Overrides

The highest priority layer that can override all lower layers:
  • Manual Pinning: Precise control over product positioning
  • Auto-Pin Expressions: Automated rules based on product attributes
  • Rule Priority: Merchandising rules take precedence over sort orders and sequences

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5. Search & Browse Experience

The final layer that delivers unified experiences to customers:
  • Text Search: Semantic search with typo tolerance
  • Image Search: Visual product discovery
  • Browse Collections: Merchandised collection pages
  • Similar Products: AI-powered recommendations

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Data Flow and Priority

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Sequence Architecture

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Key Principles

  1. Hierarchical Override: Higher layers can override lower layer configurations
  2. Flexible Scoping: Sequences operate at both global and collection levels
  3. Unified Experience: All search types benefit from the same underlying architecture
  4. Attribute Foundation: Everything builds upon properly configured attributes
This architecture ensures that your search and merchandising configurations work together harmoniously while providing the flexibility to customize experiences at multiple levels.